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Boston Celtics: Why Becky Hammon is the best candidate for head coach

By Scott Edwards

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 29: Becky Hammond gives instruction during game against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at AT&T Center on March 29, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. Sacramento Kings defeated the San Antonio Spurs 132-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 29: Becky Hammond gives instruction during game against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at AT&T Center on March 29, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. Sacramento Kings defeated the San Antonio Spurs 132-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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Do not overthink this — Becky Hammon should be the next coach of the Boston Celtics.

On Wednesday, the news bomb dropped as The Athletic’s Shams Charania revealed that Brad Stevens would be moving on from his head coaching duties and would become the President of Basketball Operations for the Celtics moving forward with Danny Ainge retiring. Since the report by Charania, the Celtics have confirmed the move. Stevens will now lead the charge in finding the next coach of the Celtics.

Look no further as the answer to who will take over the reins is simple: Becky Hammon.

Why Becky Hammon is the right person for Boston Celtics head coach vacancy

The San Antonio Spurs assistant coach has become a clear-cut future NBA head coach as she has learned under the great Greg Popovich for nearly a decade now. In that time, many front office personnel and players believe that she will not only be a head coach in the future but a great one. And she’s going to get the opportunity, whether it is following the retirement of Popovich or beforehand.

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It seems only right that rather than her waiting for that, the Boston Celtics jump at the chance to not only make history but make the best choice for the team moving forward.

Much of the reason that Brad Stevens was seen as such a great asset in the league and one of the best coaches was due to his ability to cater to players and be what we now call a “player-coach.” There was trust there and fans could see that every single game. That is a major reason why Hammon would make the most sense as the next coach of the Celtics.

Becky Hammon can relate to Boston Celtics stars

Her relationships with the likes of Spurs star DeMar Derozan and others only ensure that while she may be an assistant, she is someone the players can lean on.

Perhaps that is what is missing from the Celtics now and it should be their first priority when it comes to filling in the cracks on this team. Hammon’s ability to relate from her playing days mixed with her basketball IQ should give her the inside track on any future head coaching job, but especially this one.

As we have seen in past seasons, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have blossomed into superstars. It would be wrongful to not credit Stevens for helping that rise for both guys as his ways of coaching and handling as the aforementioned players coach goes a long way. But enough about Stevens, this is about Hammon.

For those who don’t know, Hammon was a six-time All-Star during her WNBA career as she played for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars (formerly Silver Stars). She already has the honor of being the first woman to be a head coach in a game, as she was the acting head coach earlier this season when Greg Popovich was ejected. It has since created a clear sign that not only is she ready to take on her own team, but it has been this way for a few years now with so much work under her belt.

What we do need to recognize for Hammon is this — It’s going to take a lot to get her out of San Antonio. But the Celtics have the core to do and history worthy of getting her to come here.

Hammon has been in San Antonio since 2007 dating back to her playing days and many believe that she is in line to take over the Spurs when Popovich hangs it up. Comfort goes a long way, but the opportunity of a lifetime does as well.

Popovich and Hammon are what we call “two peas in a pod.” It’s the master and the protege in this situation. However, as I said, the Celtics have everything it needs to sway her to at the very least considering the leave from the Spurs.

Tatum and Brown are not only great centerpieces to have on a team, but among the best players in the leagues in terms of human beings. Having that would give Hammon a way to settle in and take off right from the jump.

The Spurs do not have the same situation in terms of talent. Then there’s the idea of chasing banner 18. It has already been said that the Celtics head coaching vacancy is a coveted one in the NBA and the history mixed with the potential future has to excite.

Oh, and we are one month removed from Stevens making the world know that he believes that the time for Hammon as a head coach is coming. If he truly believes that, he should have Hammon in for an interview and she should be at the top of the list.

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Times are changing in the NBA. Everyone is trying to look for superstars and has taken a step back as to what a great coach is. What the Celtics have had going for them over the last two decades are great head coaches. They took a shot on Stevens when he made the move from college to the NBA.

Now it is time to take another shot by hiring Becky Hammon as the next head coach of the Boston Celtics.

It’s not just about making history. It’s about finding the best candidate for the job at hand. She’s ready and there is greatness to be had here.

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